Police Sergeant

Description

Under direction, coordinates and supervises the activities and operations of a patrol watch or program unit of the Police Department, including patrol, traffic control, investigations, and administrative or support services; implements departmental policies and procedures; coordinates activities with other divisions, units, watches, City departments, outside agencies, and organizations; performs the more difficult and responsible law enforcement and crime prevention supervision and planning; performs other related duties as required.

The Police Sergeant is the supervisory level class responsible for administrative, supervisory, and technical duties in leading program level functions within the department. Employees in this class supervise an assigned patrol watch or program unit, and provide leadership for ongoing law enforcement, crime prevention and investigative and administrative activities. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Lieutenant in that the latter is responsible for the performance of highly responsible and complex department-wide management duties.

Receives direction from a Police Lieutenant or Police Captain depending upon assignment. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over sworn and non-sworn personnel.

Examples of Duties

(include but are not limited to the following)

Accepts supervisory responsibility for activities, operations. and services of an assigned program area, including patrol, traffic control, investigations, and administrative or support services; works directly with sworn and non-sworn personnel in the interpretation of City and department policies; coordinates activities with other divisions, units, watches, City departments, outside agencies, and organizations.

Plans, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for areas of assigned responsibility; supervises and participates in investigative and field patrol work; receives, prioritizes, and coordinates response to complaints, emergency situations, and investigations; supervises and coordinates the allocation of assigned personnel and equipment in response to calls for service, case investigations and administrative issues; spot checks staff work in the field and interviews citizens to see how calls were handled; inspects departmental equipment and ensures that deficiencies are corrected.

Conducts briefing sessions; ensures compliance with and disseminates information regarding department policy and procedures; conducts training sessions; provides liaison between shifts, organizational units and other agencies involved with law enforcement or the criminal justice system; may participate in public relations programs.

Reviews reports prepared by subordinates for accuracy, sufficiency, legality, clarity, and completeness; prepares special and/or summary reports; evaluates case/project progress; makes recommendations on case disposition.

Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance; trains, motivates and evaluates department personnel; conducts and participates in investigations involving department personnel; receives and reviews reports from subordinate staff; monitors work activities to ensure safe work practices, quality, and accuracy; participates in the preparation and maintenance of a wide variety of reports and records.

Responds to difficult inquiries and complaints; represents the Department with other law enforcement services and allied agencies, other City departments, civic groups, and the public; testifies in court in connection with the prosecution of offenders.

Serves as Watch Commander to oversee daily patrol operations.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/ local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)

May supervise special programs such as departmental training and recruitment, Police K9 Unit, internal affairs investigations, school resource officers, crime prevention activities, volunteers, professional standards, crossing guards, and public information activities; supervises Records and Communications during non-business hours.

May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.

Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires both near and far vision and acute hearing. Additionally, incumbents may work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The position entails working in hazardous situations, and may involve abusive persons, potential physical violence, and the potential risk of exposure to chemical and biological hazards in the performance of law enforcement duties. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles, operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions. The need to lift 25 pounds or more is also required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The City of Whittier encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Individuals who require accommodation in the application or testing process should contact the

Human Resources staff at least 5 days prior to the application deadline or 5 days prior to the testing process so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. Persons requesting a reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such need. Seeking or receiving an accommodation by the City will have no negative impact on an individual's application or employment.

Typical Qualifications

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience:

Possess at least three years of increasingly responsible experience equivalent to that of a City of Whittier Police Officer, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Effective July 1, 2023, newly appointed Sergeants shall possess at least an Associate’s Degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice Administration, Public Administration, or a related field or equivalent college credit (60 semester or 90 quarter units by an accredited institution).

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license. Possession of a Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Intermediate Certificate. Must possess a POST Supervisory Certificate within one year of appointment to this class.

(The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of:

Modern principles, practices, and techniques of police administration, organization, and operation; administrative and technical aspects of crime prevention and law enforcement activities, including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, juvenile programs, record keeping, automated records systems, search and seizure, code violations, and care and custody of persons and property; principles of law enforcement information systems; principles and practices of program development, administration and evaluation; methods and techniques of supervision, training, and motivation; officer's rights; basic principles of mathematics; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations; facilitate group participation and consensus building; deal tactfully with the public in the handling of difficult police problems; plan, organize, evaluate, and direct the work of assigned staff; make adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; work a variety of shifts as assigned; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:

Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms, and a police vehicle in emergency situations.

Supplemental Information

Selection/Exam Process: The person selected will be expected to perform all the functions of the position. Based on a review of the applications and the supplemental applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting the City's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam.

Exam Information:

CPS HR Consulting will hold a voluntary candidate orientation session via video conferencing TBA

Written examination ( 40% Weighted)

• Scheduled on Thursday, April 22, 2025

Background & Experience Exercise (20% Weighted)

• Additional information will be provided at candidate orientation.

Assessment Center Exercise (40% Weighted)

• Structured oral interview
• Critical Incident Exercise